A funny funeral: ‘Daily Departed’ premieres Aug. 19

The Highlands Cashiers Players’ production “Dearly Departed” runs Aug. 19 through 22 and Aug. 27 through 29 with two performances scheduled for Sunday Aug. 29 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. All evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., the matinees at 2:30 p.m.

“Dearly Departed” follows the tribulations of the Turpin family as they prepare for the funeral of the Daddy Bud. The large cast includes eight family members and seven other colorful Southern characters. Add to that the eight Joy of Life Singers, who will perform during the preacher’s radio broadcast and sing a medley of old fashioned hymns before the play begins.

The group will be accompanied on keyboard by Tom Wyse, who has also agreed to play the part of Merline, the irascible pianist for Depew’s Funeral home where Daddy Bud is resting in peace.

All these characters add up to a hilarious comedy and the actors playing the Turpin family and friends are uniquely suited to their roles, according to director Virginia Talbot. “You wouldn’t think the subject of a funeral would be funny,” says Talbot, “But the laughs are almost continuous as these all-too-human characters struggle with their problems and relationships. Some may even remind you of some of your own family members.”

“Dearly Departed” is the first play of HCP’s sixteenth season. This production marks the third time the Players have produced the popular comedy.

The other three plays coming up are “Life With Father,” in October, “You Know I Can’t Hear You When The Water’s Running” in February, and “Leading Ladies” in May.

Season subscriptions are now on sale at a cost of $65, a fifteen dollars savings over the per ticket price of $20.

“Dearly Departed” is sponsored in part by Building Technology Services of Highlands and Cashiers.